How Long Does It Take To Recover After Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Doing plastic surgery consultation appointments as often as we do, one of the matters that is asked about most often is recovery after plastic surgery. We understand that people are busy and the sooner that the recovery process is over, the sooner they can get back to their normal routines and enjoy their refreshed new appearance. Today we thought it would be helpful to focus specifically on breast augmentation surgery, and what patients can expect following this procedure. Our board-certified plastic surgeons wanted to present the following timeline to help patients better understand what they can expect from their recovery after breast augmentation.

First Week After Breast Augmentation:

During breast augmentation surgery, we use breast implants to help enhance the size of the natural breasts, as well as their overall volume and shape. In the first week after surgery, there will be swelling and bruising in the breast area, but this will fade over time. Following your plastic surgeon’s post-surgical instructions like wearing a compression bra or garment will help minimize these effects. Some degree of discomfort may persist during this time, but will decrease as the weeks go on. Normal activities like school and work can continue once you’re feeling up to it, but more strenuous activities like cardio, heavy lifting, or lifting your arms above your head should be avoided.

Weeks 2-3 After Breast Augmentation:

During weeks 2 and 3, we normally encourage breast augmentation patients to begin to ease back into light exercise and their full normal daily routine as long as it is not strenuous. During this time, patients can normally begin driving a car again. Any remaining discomfort should be improving at this point. Some walking is normally OK, but jogging, running, aerobics/fitness class or more physically demanding workouts can negatively affect your healing, and we highly recommend not pushing it too hard just yet.

Weeks 4-6 After Breast Augmentation:

At this point, most patients will have recovered to the point where they will have no physical restrictions. The breasts should look and feel much more natural, though the results will continue to improve as the weeks go on. Full-on strenuous exercise (including running and weight lifting) may resume for most women without any issues. However, it is important to listen to your body and speak to your surgeon should you have any questions or concerns.

While this timeline may not exactly match every patient’s unique experience, we feel these general parameters will give many women who undergo breast augmentation a realistic idea of their post-surgery journey. For more information on breast augmentation or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, please contact Atlanta Plastic Surgery at one of our Atlanta, Cumming, or Canton area locations. You can also follow along with us on Facebook for additional plastic surgery tips, news, photos, and much more.